A tangled net
University of Exeter
7 June 2019
The interconnections between human health and oceans are many and varied. This graphic summarises a selection of the interactions between the two – positive and negative influences that create a tangled network of intentional and accidental impacts. The aim of this project was to demonstrate visually how complex the picture is. It has also been used as a "build in" slide deck for conference presentations to introduce audiences to the wide range of connections.
As usual with my work, I offered my client several options. The quantity of information was challenging to organise here, especially as the client wasn't able to find funds for an interactive graphic.
After presenting these ideas, I produced a final sketch that incorporated elements of two of these initial ideas – keeping the idea of an unordered network, but using 6 wedges to categorise the nodes within the diagram.
I initially used draw.io (now diagrams.net) to create the network. This allowed me to drag elements around the page to minimise the complexity of the diagram.
The final piece was constructed in Adobe Illustrator, adding icons and colours to help the reader navigate the diagram.
The whole process from initial sketch to final design took me around 18 hours, over the course of a month. The resulting diagram was included in a scientific paper submission, and the client subsequently requested a slide deck and animated GIF version for social media.
Project contribution
I created all of the design sketches, and the design work and illustrations in Adobe Illustrator.
